Area Representative

THE AREA REPRESENTATIVE’S FUNCTION

Reports to the Area Coordinator

The Area Representative is the most important link in the chain connecting all the individuals that make up the ASSE/WH community. He/She is not only the most visible to the students and families, but his/her judgment is the most critical to the success of the program.

Minimum requirements regarding INBOUND students include that the Area Representative
PERSONALLY:

1. Attends annual full day ASSE/WH Area Representative training orientation meeting and in the U.S.A., successfully completes the U.S. Department of State’s online training module each year.

2. Utilizes local community contacts to recruit at least two potential ASSE/WH host families for students coming to his/her area.

3. Checks with accredited schools regarding policy for admission of exchange students, makes pre-arrival school contact on behalf of student, obtains written approval and maintains open line of communication with school throughout the year. Visits schools prior to student placement (where possible) to obtain written student acceptance, documents school contact made within the first 3 months of student arrival and again in the spring, and collects and submits student report cards throughout the year.

4. Interviews and screens prospective host family, visits the home, inspects the student’s bedroom, takes six
(6) photographs of the host family home, and assists in completing the host family application process.

5. Places student with qualified host family and advises Area Coordinator promptly of placement made.

6. Writes an email letter of welcome to each student coming to his/her area.

7. Conducts ASSE/WH host family orientation meeting prior to student arrival and after the host family has been fully vetted.

8. Meets and greets ASSE/WH students on arrival at local airport (when possible) or makes personal/ phone contact within one week of arrival.

9. Conducts student orientation meeting within 2 weeks after arrival.

10. In addition to the post-arrival student orientation meeting, plans, organizes, attends and documents at least 3 ASSE/WH social or recreational activities/events during the program year setting aside one-on- one personal time with each ASSE/WH student during such activities.

11. Telephones the ASSE/WH student and the host family each month when personal contact is not made
(alternating host parents, where applicable) to monitor their adjustment and keeps a log of all such contacts. The first monthly contact with the student must be in person and properly documented in
ASSE/WH’s online database. All other contacts may take place in person or on the phone and all must be properly documented. When contacting the host family, in person contact must occur at least once during the fall semester and at least once during the spring semester (e.g. twice during the academic year) and all must be properly documented in ASSE/WH’s online database.

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12. Is available to ASSE/WH students and host families to assist and act as mediator with any problems or questions which may occur.

13. Reports all significant problems and any changes recommended in student placements to the Area
Coordinator. Any violations of laws or of ASSE/WH rules and regulations must be reported promptly both by phone and in writing.

14. Completes the ASSE/WH Online Contact Log on a monthly basis.

15. Provides student and host family with departure/closure orientation and support. When available bids farewell at local departure airport.

16. Completes Area Representative evaluation questionnaire at program’s conclusion.

Minimum Requirements regarding OUTBOUND students include that the Area Representative
PERSONALLY:

1. Recruits and selects students and conducts interview with exchange applicant and his/her family in their home.

2. Assists applicant in completing ASSE/WH application packet, provides letter of recommendation, and monitors visa process.

3. Maintains contact with each applicant during the months prior to departure to answer questions and provide information.

4. Conducts an in-person ASSE/WH pre-departure orientation meeting with all outgoing ASSE/WH students in the area.

5. Meets ASSE/WH student at local airport to see him/her off (if possible).

THE VERIFICATION HOME VISIT REPRESENTATIVE’S FUNCTION (U.S.A. ONLY)

In order to confirm that each ASSE/WH student is starting off his/her exchange experience on a positive note, an ASSE/WH “Verification Representative”, which is someone other than the placing or supervising, and unrelated, Area Representative, must visit the host family home within 60 days after inbound student arrival to confirm that the home environment continues to meet ASSE/WH standards. The ASSE/WH Verification
Representative:

1. Contacts given host family/ies to set up a time to visit within 60 days after student arrival.

2. Completes the Verification Home Visit Form immediately after leaving the host family’s home and sends it promptly to the Area Coordinator.

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Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Self-determined schedule

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Michigan: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: One location